Information
Landmark: Royal PalaceCity: Phnom Penh
Country: Cambodia
Continent: Asia
Royal Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Asia
Overview
In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the Royal Palace stands as a striking landmark, its golden spires catching the sunlight and telling stories of centuries past.King Norodom had the palace complex built in the 1860s, and ever since, its golden roofs have sheltered the official home of Cambodia’s monarchy.The Royal Palace blends elegant Khmer tradition with touches of French colonial style, its golden roofs catching the afternoon light.The complex covers more than 170,000 square meters, and a tall wall wraps around it like a shadow.The complex holds several buildings, each with its own purpose, from quiet halls to bustling courtyards, and every surface gleams with gold-plated roofs, carved patterns, and delicate ornamentation.One.Throne Hall, or Preah Thineang Dheva Vinnichay, stands as one of the Royal Palace’s most important buildings, its golden spire catching the sun from nearly every angle in the courtyard.The Throne Hall hosts grand official ceremonies, from formal state events to the king’s coronation beneath its glittering chandeliers.The two-story building blends traditional Khmer design with graceful French touches, like tall shuttered windows catching the afternoon light.Gold leaf glints across the roof, where intricate traditional motifs curl and twist like painted silk.Inside, you’ll see a massive throne once used in royal ceremonies, its gold trim catching the light, along with walls lined with paintings telling Cambodia’s royal history.Number two.The Silver Pagoda, or Preah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot, is likely the Royal Palace’s most treasured site, its gleaming floor tiles catching the light as visitors step inside.The Silver Pagoda, a Buddhist temple, holds treasures like a life-sized gold Buddha glittering with diamonds and another Buddha sculpted entirely from 90 kilograms of solid gold.More than 5,000 silver tiles cover the pagoda’s floor, catching the light and inspiring its name.Inside, you’ll find treasured relics and solemn statues, some worn smooth by centuries of touch.Three.Khemarin Palace is where the king and his family live, its white walls catching the late afternoon sun.The public can’t go inside, but you can still admire its exterior from the grassy grounds around it.The building stands out as the most modern, with clean glass lines meeting carved Khmer stonework in a striking blend of local and Western styles.Number four.Royal Gardens: Tucked inside the palace grounds, the Royal Gardens offer a quiet escape, with winding paths and beds of roses that catch the afternoon light.The gardens brim with life, from bright tropical flowers to tall, leafy trees.Visitors can wander along quiet stone paths, breathing in the calm that seems to settle like soft evening air.The Royal Palace in Cambodia stands as a powerful symbol of the nation’s history and culture, its golden spires catching the sunlight like a beacon.Since it was founded, it’s stood at the heart of political life, its tall stone facade still a clear emblem of the monarchy.The Royal Palace has stood through countless moments in history, from royal celebrations to the dark days of the Khmer Rouge, when its halls sat silent and empty.Beyond its royal duties, the palace has long been a centerpiece of Cambodian culture, hosting traditional dances, glittering royal gatherings, and the vibrant lantern-lit celebrations of Buddhist festivals.I stopped by the Royal Palace today, one of Phnom Penh’s most visited spots, where golden roofs glinted in the afternoon sun.You can’t enter the Khemarin Palace, but the rest of the complex-like the glittering Silver Pagoda and the stately Throne Hall-welcomes visitors.When you visit Phnom Penh, the palace is often called a must-see, and it’s just a short walk from the National Museum of Cambodia and Wat Phnom, making it a natural stop for anyone curious about the country’s history and culture.The palace grounds are kept spotless, with trimmed hedges and swept paths, and visitors are asked to dress modestly before stepping inside.Proper attire usually means keeping your shoulders and knees covered-think a light shirt with sleeves and a skirt or pants that reach past the knee.Guided tours are offered for visitors who want to dive deeper into the palace’s history and meaning, from its grand marble halls to the quiet courtyards echoing with the past.
